TRADERS have complained after being left out of pocket by roadworks in Fartown.
Businesses on Bradford Road, near the junction with Fartown Green Road, called for barriers to be removed after their profits dipped when access to the front of shops was restricted.
Kirklees Council had put barricades up during a scheme to replace kerbs, resurface the road and carry out work on traffic signals.
But with barricades stretching about 400 yards and no roadside parking business owners were worried about the loss of trade.
A&B off-licence owner Abdul Shakoor said: "Business has been dead. I lost about 40% of my sales last week, because most of it is passing trade.
"People could not park or cross the road.
"They are not going to walk all the way round when they can just go somewhere else where it is easy to park."
Masood Jalali, owner of Pizza Place, also said his sales had slumped.
He added: "I have been here for 20 years and even in very bad snow I have never known such a thing.
"The other night we only took about £40 all night.
"They put the barriers up - but then there were no workers. It was a nuisance.
"If we hadn't rung up it would have been left like this over the weekend."
After traders complained, sections of the barriers were removed to allow access for customers.
A spokesman from Kirklees highways department said: "We have been in talks with local businesses on Bradford Road affected by the roadworks.
"We can confirm that the work should be completed soon.
"After talking with the traders some of the barriers have been removed to allow better access.
"However, some have to remain, to conform with health and safety regulations.
"We will keep in touch with all the businesses affected on a daily basis to keep them up to date with progress," the spokesman added.
